"We can confirm that Erica Messer has signed an overall deal with ABC Studios," an ABC representative tells TVGuide.com. "The negotiations for the show are ongoing, and, of course, contingent on CBS renewing the show."

Messer's contract, which was first reported by Deadline, is expected to affect contract negotiations with the cast. Messer told TVGuide.com in an interview earlier this week that the show was likely to be back next year. "There are a lot of deals that need to be signed and that kind of thing, but I feel very strongly that we're coming back," she said. "It's not a matter of if, but when."